Latest KFF Health News Stories
White House Pushes To Make Covid Drug Paxlovid More Accessible
The Biden administration announced a new plan to make Pfizer’s covid treatment more widely available through pharmacies and to educate providers. The antiviral is authorized for high-risk patients who test positive for covid and has been found to decrease hospitalization risk by 90%.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Opinion writers examine these covid related issues.
A Child Dies As Hepatitis Outbreak Now Affects 12 Countries: WHO
The mysterious outbreak of the liver disease is reportedly affecting 12 countries, with at least 169 cases in children and 17 having had liver transplants. Covid restrictions’ impact on mental health, lack of vaccines in North Korea, collapsing global vax efforts, and ebola in Congo are also in the news.
Homeless Deaths Soar In LA County, Driven By Overdoses
In the year after the pandemic began, deaths jumped 56%. Meanwhile, in New York City, the mayor has proposed $171 million for 1,400 shelter beds to move unhoused people off the streets. Birth control without prescription, gun violence, the “tampon tax,” and more are also reported.
Controversy, Lobbying Around Plan To Ban Menthol Cigarettes
Media outlets cover the final steps in a plan to ban menthol cigarettes, including the efforts of lobbying groups in the White House. Separate reports note tobacco companies have been implying the ban could provoke increased policing in Black communities, driving racism and other problems.
Nurses Will Strike At Stanford Hospital, Starting Today
Reports from the Bay Area News Group say the strike has broad support from eligible nurses, who are striking over burnout and exhaustion at work stemming from pandemic pressures. Stat, meanwhile, covers the ongoing high costs of hospitals relying on travel nursing staff.
Medicare Plans Special Enrollment Options For Some Seniors
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, which announced the proposal Friday as part of a proposed rule for Medicare, says Congress gave the agency authority to offer enrollment for exceptional conditions last year.
Conspiracies Show No Sign Of Slowing; Film Claims Covid Is Venom, Not Virus
In other pandemic news, Mississippi has enacted a law that prohibits covid vaccine mandates, Oakland will reconsider having a mask mandate for large indoor gatherings, and more.
White House Has Plan For Wider Access To Pfizer’s Covid Pill
Bloomberg reports on rising accessibility of Pfizer’s paxlovid pill, with the Biden administration set to outline a plan for getting the drug to pharmacies across the U.S. Separately, nasal sprays could be the next weapon to treat the illness, partly because of the way they directly affect sinuses and throats.
Pattern Of Declining NYC Covid Cases Offers Encouragement
Local government data shows that new covid infections in New York City are not following the same trend of big spikes that previous variant surges wrought. Test rates in San Francisco, though, worry officials there.
Immigration Ties Up Covid Relief Bill As Congress Returns
The Biden administration’s plans to lift pandemic border policies is a key sticking point in Congress’ efforts to allocate additional funds to covid mitigation measures. And Texas is suing to halt the Title 42 roll back.
Covid Was Third Leading Cause Of US Deaths For A Second Year
Heart disease, cancer and covid made up the top three killers in 2021, according to a CDC report. With some people not getting vaccinated and the emergence of the delta variant, covid was cited as the underlying cause of more than 415,000 American deaths.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Viewpoints: Maryland Closer To Heath Care Equity; Tennessee Expands Coverage For Postpartum Women
Editorial writers examine these health care and pregnancy issues.
Different Takes: It’s Still Too Hard To Get Covid Meds; Ideas For Maskless Covid Prevention
Opinion writers discuss these covid related issues.
Puerto Ricans Cannot Claim SSI Disability Benefits: Supreme Court
The Supreme Court issued a ruling denying access to disability benefits to residents of Puerto Rico, Guam, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Meanwhile, in news from other countries, covid cases declined last week.
Longer Looks: Interesting Reads You Might Have Missed
Each week, KHN finds longer stories for you to enjoy. This week’s selections include stories on loneliness, PTSD, “magic mushrooms,” scuba diving with disabilities, and more.
Vermonters Exposed To Toxic Substances Can Sue For Medical Expenses
The bill, signed by Governor Phil Scott, a Republican, allows victims exposed to toxic substances to sue the facility where it happened. Meanwhile, in Maine a person has died from the rare Powassan virus after a tick bite and in Wisconsin norovirus spreads after a prom.
VA Closes Medical Facility In Montana Over Safety Issues
The Veterans long-term care center in Miles City, Montana, temporarily closed following a Department of Veterans Affairs investigation into a self-report of patient safety issues. Residents must be relocated.
